Imogene Regina Steele, child of Harry and Phyllis Watt, was born on November 15, 1933 in Banana Ground, Jamaica.  She was one of ten children.  She always spoke of a happy childhood with her large family, however, Imogene's father unexpectedly passed.  His passing changed her life.  At 9 years old, she bravely left home to work as a live-in for a family in Kingston.  She always said it was one of the toughest times of her life, however, Imogene knew she had to help take care of the family at Banana Ground.  During difficult times, Imogene said her faith in God became her strength to withstand any adversity.  When she became a young woman, she met her future husband, Marcus Steele in Kingston.

Marcus and Imogene eventually married and had their first child, Gladstone.  They decided to immigrate to England to have a better life.  In England, they would go on to have three additional children: Carl, Sharilynn, and Annette.  Marcus and Imogene worked as a strong team to provide and care for their children and family in Jamaica.  They encouraged and received family members to join them in England, too.  Eventually, Marcus and Imogene relocated again, and this time it was to the United States.

Again, this couple started from ground zero and continued to take care of everyone here and abroad.  During this time, Imogene spread her wings.  She attended school to further her education because anyone that knew her, knew she believed in education and the betterment of oneself.  Imogene's occupations included being a Certified Nurse's Assistant, daycare worker [because she always loved children]; a union representative negotiating contracts for members at the facility. Notably, Imogene's most enjoyable employment was working in the dietary area of food services that led to her passion of creating wonderful meals.

Imogene became renowned for her Caribbean dishes and baked goods.  Serving family and organizing church functions brought people near and far for her delicious foods.  To Imogene feeding people brought her joy and it was her way of showing her love for family and friends.  Another one of her favorite past times was gardening.

Her skills and aptitude for gardening was known throughout the neighborhood and in the town of Connecticut where she lived.  The Town's gardening association would often stop by her home to take pictures of her impressive landscaping.  Imogene could nurture and grow anything.  She would be up at the crack of dawn to sundown taking care of her vegetable garden, many plants, and flowers.  That was definitely one of her God's gifts.

It cannot be over emphasized how much Imogene loved her family.  She would speak of them often to the very end of her life.  Imogene would wonder aloud if they had food to eat, a roof over their heads or were happy.  She would wonder if they were sick, needed to go to the doctor or in need of medication.  She was always willing to help

This is only a small synopsis of Imogene's life as a loving, and loyal human being.  She will be remembered as a woman of great faith.  Imogene loved her family and friends more than words can say.  Imogene Regina Steele will truly be missed and her wonderful works throughout her life will be remembered as legendary.  Imogene is survived by her children, grandchildren, loving family members and friends.

Visitation will be at the Flynn and Son Funeral Home, 23 Ford Ave., Fords, NJ 08863 on Thursday, February 22, 2024, 9-10 am. A funeral service will follow 10-10:45 am in the funeral home. Entombment will be in Woodbridge Memorial Gardens.